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Meanwhile, in what was expected to be the most competitive City Council race this election, Councilman Jay Schenirer was leading comfortably in District 5 as of early Wednesday morning. Schenirer had almost 56 percent, while his closest challenger - Oak Park activist Tamika L'Ecluse - had 35 percent.

Councilman Jeff Harris was unopposed to represent the district covering East Sacramento and South Natomas.

Schenirer is seeking a third term representing Oak Park, Curtis Park, Hollywood Park, a portion of South Land Park and other neighborhoods near Fruitridge Road and Sacramento Executive Airport. He faced L'Ecluse, a teacher and education adviser, and doctoral student Joseph Barry.

Schenirer had the support of Mayor Darrell Steinberg, most of his City Council colleagues, the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce and the city police officers union. He outspent opponents by a nearly 4-to-1 margin, according to the most recent campaign finance documents filed with the city of Sacramento.

While outspent by a wide margin, L'Ecluse had the support of some notable political groups and individuals, including the Democratic Party of Sacramento County, California Nurses Association and Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento.

Like Schenirer, Jennings had the support of Steinberg and the city police union and vastly outspent his opponents.

"I am gratified by the confidence that the voters of District 7 have shown in me during this election," Jennings said in a written statement. "I remain focused on serving the residents of the Valley Hi, Pocket-Greenhaven and Detroit Boulevard communities. I look forward to continuing to serve them for the next four years."

Jennings' chief rival was Tristan Brown, a legislative representative for the California Federation of Teachers union. Brown was endorsed by the Sacramento Democratic party, as well as several well-known labor groups, but received 20 percent of the vote.